Linking U.S. and Poland’s Agriculture to Enhance Bilateral Trade Opportunities

11 March 2011

The Office of Agricultural Affairs assisted Poland’s 4-H Foundation, the Texas AgriLife Extension Service and the Texas A&M University System in the United States with organizing a business/study tour to Texas February 27 - March 8, 2011.  Polish tour participants included small and large farmers, agro consultants and scientists, along with members of the National Association of Cereals Producers, Agriculture Business Association of Poland, and several other agricultural associations.  These leaders in Poland’s agricultural sector took advantage of this opportunity to observe agricultural commodities in Texas from research and production, to distribution and market while studying issues facing the Texas and American agriculture industry.  During the visit, participants became more familiar with American agriculture and U.S. production policies under the Farm Bill, learned more about evolving technologies driving agriculture in the 21st century from crop and livestock production to renewable energy, and developed business contacts that should facilitate bilateral trade.  The Polish delegation’s mission to link agriculture in the United States/Texas with Poland by enhancing export and import climates and global security is to be commended.

Funding for this program originated principally from the participants, with support from local business sponsors and an educational grant from the Office of Agricultural Affairs.